By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Nixa Eagles finished with another winning season in 2019 and the expectations heading into the 2020 season remain the same.
“I am excited and optimistic about this season,” said head coach Evan Palmer, who has a combined record of 332-220-22 at Nixa between the boys’ and girls’ programs. “Our expectations don’t change with a different season. We have a tough schedule, which will prepare us for the big games at the end of the season.”
The Eagles, who finished 14-8 overall and 7-2 in the Central Ozark Conference last season, will need to overcome the loss of six seniors, who provided the skill and leadership that keyed Nixa’s success.
• Cooper Hines, defender – Scored 4 goals with 2 assists and was named Class 4 All-State Honorable Mention, Class 4 All-Region 3, Class 4 District 11 First Team and All-Central Ozark Conference First Team.
• Carson Beets, midfielder – Scored 5 goals, had 10 assists and led the team in assists and points. He earned All-Region, All-District First-Team and All-COC First-Team honors, and is playing at Harding University.
• Kyle Hirsch, defender – Earned Academic All-State, All-District First-Team and All-COC Second-Team honors.
• Brock Nelson, midfielder – Scored 4 goals with 3 assists. Was named All-District Second Team and All-COC Honorable Mention. He is playing at Evangel University.
• Zach Voi, midfielder – Scored 1 goal with 1 assist.
• Andrew Anello, forward – Scored 3 goals with 2 assists, but missed half the season with a broken leg.
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“With great leadership, anything is possible,” Palmer said. “Defensively, we were very solid and that kept us in every game we played. We need to take care of the ball and finish better this year.”
Palmer has enough returning players to field a full team (including subs) led by senior goalkeeper Nick Reid, an all-district second-team and all-conference first-team selection, who recorded 147 saves, allowed 28 goals against, 1.27 goals-against average and four shutouts in 22 games.
“Nick is a great keeper,” Palmer said. “He really improved from his sophomore year and became more vocal, which helped our defense keep other teams out of our net.”
Reid will be joined by fellow seniors Bryce Richmond and Riley Lister, along with 11 other returning players.
• Bryce Richmond, senior, defender – Handed out 3 assists. “Had a breakout year,” Palmer said. “He has really put the work in and become an excellent defender.”
• Riley Lister, senior, midfielder – Had 2 assists. “When he can get in space, he can distribute the ball effectively. Great on set pieces.”
• Aidan Matlock, junior, midfielder – Scored 2 goals. “Looking for a breakout year from him. He is very capable of scoring goals.”
• Landon Myers, junior, defender/midfielder – “Solid on the backline, very versatile, can play many positions.”
• Isaac Nuccio, junior, defender/midfielder – “Another versatile player. He will see action at many positions.”
• Mateo Soriano, junior, forward – “He is capable of scoring many goals, which I know he can do for us.”
• Andrew Butler, sophomore, midfielder/forward – Scored 3 goals. “Excellent, skilled winger. Will be a handful for defenses.”
• Colin Cash, sophomore, midfielder – Had 2 assists. “Great, versatile player that can play anywhere on the field, but probably will see most of his time in the center-mid.”
• Kaleb James, sophomore, defender – “Did a great job last year on the backline. Might move more central this year. Great in the air. Will get goals with his head.”
• Zach Naugle, sophomore, forward – Scored 8 goals with 4 assists. “Was our target player last year as a freshman, so he took a lot of punishment. He is stronger and faster this year, so he will be tough to keep off the scoresheet.”
• Carson Palmer, sophomore, midfielder – Scored 4 goals with 2 assists. “Excellent touch and vision. Will team up with Colin Cash to control the central midfield.”
• Zack Voelker, sophomore, defender – “Will have a much bigger role on the team this year. Excellent defender and tenacious competitor.”
• Seth Weatherfield, sophomore, defender/midfielder – “Like Zack, he will have a bigger role this year. He can play in the back, but also in the midfield.”
Palmer is excited for the return of Josh Stoneberger and expects big things from the junior.
“Josh Stoneberger isn’t new but had to sit out last year due to injury,” Palmer said. “Other than Josh, there are some other ninth-11th graders that might step up to varsity, but it is too early to tell.
“Josh will make an immediate impact. It is great to have him back. He brings energy and fun to the team. He can score goals as well as defend, so he should have an impact up top and on the back line.”
The Eagles, who will participate in a jamboree at Republic on Aug. 21, will be tested right out of the gate, as they open with Columbia Rock Bridge, Columbia Hickman, Neosho and Kickapoo on Aug 29-Sept. 3. But, that will be a good measuring stick, Palmer says.
“At the end of that first week, we’ll see what kind of team we are,” Palmer said. “The guys have worked hard and are excited to get started.
“I believe we can put a competitive group on the field this year. We should have great goalkeeping and I think our defense will keep us in games. If we can keep the score down, I know we can get timely goals to give us a chance to win.”
